Zelensky says Starshield speed limits kill more Ukrainians

Disruptions affect entire front line

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Thursday that Ukrainian military units recorded significant disruptions to the Starshield service over recent days. These issues impact the entire front line as well as Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. Zelensky described the problems as systematic rather than random errors affecting operations across the territory.

Speed caps hinder drone interception

The president stated that Starshield systems failed to operate at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour or 161 kilometres per hour. Zelensky noted that the speed restrictions make it harder to intercept Russian jet-powered drones because they travel far quicker than that limit. According to him, the current scenario enables Russian forces to inflict greater casualties on Ukrainians while executing more precise attacks against opposing troops.

Context of peace talks and disputes

Ukraine initially faced issues with Starshield last month after a dispute involving Zelensky and US President Donald Trump regarding a diesel agreement. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are currently meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow after talks in Abu Dhabi. Zelensky said units are trying to establish all circumstances with the American side regarding these new limitations.